Meal preparing apparatus



May 31, 1938. J. DE AYALA MEAL PREPARING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Dec.

1 a u M Y anon-.44;

y 1938. J. DE AYALA 2,119,455

MEAL PREPARING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 31, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Q 11L 107 107 100 v I "11L ""w v v E a 9 14: J26 2 Qwucwiom awe defigmm I i jog-W 6 fauna nosrnou May 31, 1938.

J. DE AYALA MEAL PREPARING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 51, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 May 31, 1938. ,1 DE AYALA I 2,11%455 MEAL PREPARING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 31, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 4.-

J. DE AYALA May 31, 1938'.

MEAL PREPARING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 31, 1955 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 L} 1 we 1': tot Joly? May 31 1938.

J. DE AYALA MEAL PREPARING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 51, 1935 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 -May 31,, 1938. J DE AYALA 2,119,455

MEAL PREPARING APPARATUS Filed Dec. 31, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Jae' aeflyaltu Patented May 31, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MEAL PREPARING APPARATUS Jos de Ayala, San Juan, P. R. Application December 31. 1935, Serial No. 57,655

25 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in meal preparing apparatuses, and its objects are as follows:

First, to provide an apparatus for preparing a meal automatically to the extent of turning on the heat, movingat least one of the food elements, so to speak, away from the heat zone when done and finally turning oi the heat so that the remaining food element or elements will not be over-done, all of the food elements previously being emplaced for cooking whereupon the mechanism is set for its automatic operation, as'just explained, at a determined time.

Second, to manually emplace the food elements, for example the elements for breakfast, in the apparatus at a time, usually at night but not necessarily so, prior to the automatic cooking thereof on the following morning, the mechanism being set for the hour or fraction thereof when it is desired to have the preparation begin, ,there being a suitable alarm to awaken the sleeper for whom the meal is intended to be ready when he is ready for it.

Third, to use the apparatus for the preparation of a meal without the intervention of the time period which the setting of a clock involves, the apparatus then being caused to prepare the meal immediately after the last of the food elements is emplaced.

Fourth, to make the apparatus adaptable to preparing any desired part of a meal, not necessarily an entire meal, for example using said apparatus for the cooking of coffee only.

Fifth, to provide an electrical system for an apparatus of the foregoing kind, with means for so setting and controlling the apparatus as to carry out its functions automatically according to the will of the user.

In the drawings:-

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the improved meal preparing apparatus.

Figure 2 is a plan view of part of the apparatus shown in Figure 1, the coffee pot and cup being omitted, and the oven being swung out into a receiving position.

Figure 3 is a detail cross section of the oven, taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

' Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the entire electrical system.

Figure 5 is a plan view of the manual control box.

Figure 6 is a cross section taken on the line H of Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a crosssection taken on the line l-l of Figure 5.

Figure 8 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 7.

Figure 9 is a central vertical section of the pedestal shown in Figure 1, the plane of the section being at a right angle, parts being in elevation. 5

Figure 10 is a detail sectional view of the. base of the pedestal.

Figure 11 is a horizontalsection taken on the line ll--|l of Figure 9.

Figure 12 is a detail view of the oven and heater standard.

Figure 13 is a cross section of the oven showing the toaster in place.

Figure 14 is a plan view of the oven, illustrating the toast cages more in detail.

Figure 15.1s a detail side elevation of parts of the toaster frame.

Figure 16 is a sectional view of the oven, illustrating the use of a frying pan instead of the. toaster. as

Figure 17 is a fractional elevation of the oven. particularly illustrating the toast cage-turning finger later described.

Figure 18 is a front elevation of the electrical clock which is generally used to control the sys- 25 tem.

Figure 19 is a side elevation of the principal controlling mechanism of the clock.

Figure 20 is a sectional view taken on the line 20-20 of Fig. 19.

Figure 21 is a sectional view 2i-2i of Fig. 19.

As already set out in some detail in the foregoing statements of the objects of the invention, the latter is an electrical apparatus, intended to work on the ordinary alternating house current, for preparing breakfasts or other meals at a fixed hour and then waking up the person or persons who are to partake of them. In carrying out this invention provision is made of a base i (Fig. l) which will be situated as the occasion may demand. For instance, it can be so arranged as to be part of a portable contrivance, not unlike a tray which can be carried from place to place, there being the provision of an electrical cord 2 with an attached plug 3 by which the apparatus is connected with an ordinary electrical outlet.

This base is preferably made large enough to carry an electrical clock 4 and a bed or table lamp 5 in addition to all of the mechanism of the meal preparing apparatus. The clock is removably connected with an electrical outlet 6 on the base by a 4-wire cord I through which current is supplied for the operation of the clock taken on the line (Fig. 4) which is operable by said clock mechanism. A similar electrical outlet 3 provides the place of connection of the 2-wire cord 3 of the lamp. The lamp is automatically switched on and oil, as later described in connection with Figure 4, but the light can also be turned on and oil separately by a manual switch l (Fig. 4) of any known kind. This switch is at one end of a conductor III which reaches from the bedside where the switch is accessible, to a point of .connection i0" on the base The base I, further, has a utility outlet II which does not serve any purpose excepting to provide a convenient place at which to obtain current for whatever purpose desired.

A pedestal |2 (Figs. 1 and 9) and a standard I 3 (Fig. 1) provide the supports for an electrical heater l4. This heater includes the more or less usual resistance element l5 (Fig. 2) which is so incorporated in the insulating block l6 as to enable the heat to radiate both upwardly and downwardly when said element is energized by the closure of the heater circuit at a given setting of the clock 4. The casing of the heater has rigidly attached bands I8 (Fig. 1) by which it is securely attached to the pedestal l2 and standard |3 as already indicated.

Referring now to the pedestal l2 for an understanding of its details, its tubular column 19 (Fig. 9) is fixedly centered upon a hollow base 20 which is permanently and firmly mounted on the apparatus base I as by the screws 24 shown in Fig. 9. The upper end of the column is closed by a cover 2| which is screwed into place, as shown. This cap has a central hole 22 in which the vertical shaft 23 turns. A reduction in the diameter of the shaft provides a shoulder 23" (Figs. 1 and 9) which rests on the base 2|! and thus supports the shaft and the weight of the balance, later described. A non-circular bore 25, extending only part way of the length of the shaft, loosely contains the correspondingly cross-sectionally shaped shank 26 of a bracket 21.

A cross pin 28 (Fig. 9) through the shaft 23 provides the anchorage for one end of a spring 23 which is loosely coiled around the shaft and has its other end anchored at 30 to the column I9. This spring is so tensioned as to turn the shaft 23 and its carried balance in the counterclockwise direction, looking down. But this does not occur until the so-called balance is released.

An arm 3| (Fig. 9) is secured at one end to the shaft 23, and it extends out of the column through a semi-circular slot 32. This is a switch arm, and its purpose is to actuate one or more switches when the foregoing balance and consequently the shaft 23 are released for turning. The lower end of the shaft 23 is flattened at 33 to fit in the socket 34 on the arm 35 of a governor 38 (Fig. 1).

This governor regulates the turning of the shaft 23 and its carried parts, preventing too swift a motion by force of the spring 29. The arm 35 has a dog 31 which is in engagement with the teeth of a gear 38. This gear meshes with a pinion 39 which carries the wind vane 40. The counter-clockwise turn of the shaft 23 drives the vane and causes retardation as can readily be understood. Upon a clockwise turn'of the shaft, as when restoring the balance (Fig. 1) to its operative position, the dog 31 merely drags over the teeth of the gear 38.

The switches just mentioned are contained by the base 20 (Fig. 11). This base includes a botv 2,119,455 mechanism (not shown), and fora switch I43 tom 4| of insulating material. Movable contactors 42 and 43, 44 respectively known as the heater and lamp-ringer switches, are secured to the bottom 4|. The switches 43 and 44 are virtual duplicates and serve the identical pu poses of lighting the lamp and actuating the ringer. The contactor 42 has a pair of coacting contacts 44 which are electrically bonded at 41, the bond continuing to the contactor 43 by means of a 'short connection 48. The contactor 43 has a pair of 'coacting contacts separately designated 43, 34, and the contactor 44 has a similar pair of coacting contacts separately designated 3|, 42. The contacts 43, 52 are bonded at 53. The contacts 50, II are bonded at 54, and this bond is connected to a wire which passes through a hole 54 which is one of a series of holes in the bottom 4| the remaining ones of which are designated 64, I1 and 68.

A wire 59 connects the contact 52 with the lamp 5 by means of an extension wire 63 which goes through the hole 56. A wire 82 commonly connects the contacts 54, II and is then passed through the hole 56 to the outside electrical system. Awire 80 commonly connects the contactors 43 and 44, its extension 64 passing through the hole 51. A wire 6| connects the contactor 42 with one side of the resistance element I5 by means of its extension 65 which goes through the hole 58.

Each of the foregoing movable contactors has an actuator which completes the respective switch. The actuator 66 (of insulating material) of the switch 42 (Fig. 9) is made in the form of a cam which is intended to ride against the projection 61 on the contactor 42 and move the contactor into engagement with the contacts 46 when the arm 3| is swung clockwise to the starting position (Fig. 1) at which time the arm presses back against the finger 68 of the actuator.

The actuator is pivoted at 49, and has an enlarged side which is formed into a cam point Ill adjacent to the arm 3|. The engagement of the arm 3| with the left side of the cam point turns the actuator 66 clockwise, so as to relieve the projection 61 of pressure by the actuator and permit the opening of the switch 42. Should the actuators happen to be placed in an erect position by hand so that the cam point 1|! stands in the path of the arm 3| when it is swung clockwise to its starting position, said arm will slide against the rounded part of the enlarged side 14 and depress the cam point to let the arm by. The arm then engages and moves the finger 33 so that the actuator assumes the position in Fig. 9.

The actuator H (of insulating material) of the switch 43 is pivoted at 12 at a place above the switch. The actuator 73 (of insulating material) of the switch 44 (Fig. 10) is similarly pivoted at 14 above said switch. The three actuators are 90 apart, corresponding with the position of the switches 42, 43, 44 (Fig. 11) which they operate. The actuators ll, 13 are alike in shape, resembling heels which, when the actuators are turned, bear down on the respective switches 43, 44 and cause them to engagethe respective pairs of contacts.

The finger (Fig. 10) of the actuator 13 is rigid, but the finger 16 of the contactor 1| has a Joint II which enables the turning down of the free end of the finger, so that it will escape the arm 3| when swung around counter-clockwise. Figure 9 shows the finger It erect, and Figure 10 shows it turned down. The fingers 63, I5 (Flgsz'i) and 10) stand in upright positions at the approxr the bracket 21 (Figs. 1 and 2).

innate extremities of the slot 22, an additional P rp e of the. finger I! being to limit the counter-clockwise turning of the shaft 23 to 180 when engaged-by the finger 3|. The ends of the slot 32 are not intended to be engaged bythe finger 3|. These fingers are kept in the erect positions,

l2, I! in the respective ones of which the coffee pot '84, constituting one receptacle, and the saucer 85 of a cup 86 are set. The coffee pot is of a spe- .cial construction which is set out in detail in the co-pending patent application of Jos de Ayala,

filed April 11, 1935, Serial No. 15,906, now Patent No.2',0'l2,l99, of March 2, 1937.

Without going into minute details, the function of the coffee pot is briefly described as follows: It is arrangedto contain separate quantities'of cold waterrmilk and ground coffee. When the water is set to boiling by heat from the heater I4 (Fig. 2) the internal pressure forces the milk through a spout 81 (Fig. 1) into the cup 86, closely followed by the coffee infusion which is produced by the action of the boiling water on the ground coffee. Provision is also made for holding one or more eggs so that they will be cooked by the internal heat. As long as the foregoing contents remain in the pot '84 the preponderance of weight will be on the right end of the balance I9, but

when the liquids are driven over into the cup 86,

the added weight causes the balance 19 to tilt to the left with the following result:-

A projection "from the ring 82 (Fig. 1) fits in balance displaces the projection 88 from the de- 7 tent, thereby releasing the spring 29 for action in turning the balance counter-clockwise. The extentcf turning can be either 90, as when the finger 16 (Fig. 10) is erected into position to obstruct the arm 3|, or 180 as when the finger 1G is lowered (Fig. 10), whereupon the finger 15 does the obstructing. In each case the coffee pot 84 is removed from the heater I4, preventing burning of the then virtually empty pot.

. The detent 89 includes a rather tail end 90 which prevents turning the balance I9 so far in the clockwise direction as to carry the coffee pot 84 beyond the heater. The detent is secured to a boss SI of the standard I3 by a screw 92 which, upon being loosened, will enable the making of any necessary adjustment of the detent with respect to the projection 88. A stifi wire 93 (Fig. 2), attached at its ends to the rings 82, 83, slidably carries a counterweight 94 which is adjustably set by the means 95 in the proper position along the wire so as to establish the proper equilibrium of the balance 19. The coffee pot will not I 1 always hold the same quantities of water, milk and ground coffee, and there will be times when the user varies the number of eggs to be cooked, whereupon the counterweight will be set to compensate for the variations.

Most of the standard I3 is hollow, being made in the form of a tube, thereby providing a conduit for the feed wires of the resistance element I5.- One of these wires is 65, previously described ard I3 and so retain-the oven.

These wires leave the standard at an opening 21 -(Fig. 12) which is situated at a point opposite to The standard has a shoulder 28 the heater I. which rests on the top side of the base I and provides a stop for a spring 39, the purpose of which is to keep the oven I constituting another rein connection with Figure 4, the other a (Fig. 1).

ceptacle, pressed tightly upward toward the heater I4, which is situated intermediately of the two receptacles, said oven also being supported by the pedestal I2 and standard ii. A nut Ill '(Fig.

binds against thenether side of thebase l and firmly secures the standard.

The oven Hill is manually turnable with respect to the standard I3 which acts as a pivot. For

. 1) on the threaded extension of the standard l3,

into engagement with a keeper so as to hold the latch in a bridgingposition in back of the-stand- A similar latch can be mounted on the flange I03, but is here omitted because the spring 83, which presses against the flange I03, exerts pressure enough to keepthis flange in place. A lip I01 (Figs. 1 and 2) on the side of the oven I opposite to the flange I02 is rested upon a bracket I" on the pedestal I2 so as to prevent sagging of 7 the oven and to complete its support as previously brought out.

A handle I09 is attachedto-the oven to provide a convenient means for manually swinging the oven out from under the heater ll (Fig. 2). This is necessary to gain access to the interior for such purposes as emplacing and removing the toaster, frying pan, etc. The latch I05 is slid back only when it is desired to remove the oven I 00 from the standard I3 for-the purpose of cleaning.

A short shaft H0 (Fig. 16) is appropriately journaled in one side of the oven I00 so as to extend from the inside to the outside, the inner end of the shaft being bent at III, the outer end carrying a cage-turning 'finger- II2 (Fig. 17), which is made in the form of a hook to contain the arm 3! when the parts are in the starting position (Fig. 1). As the arm 3| begins its counterclockwise motion itte'nds to carry the finger II2 with it, thereby turning the shaft H0 in the direction a (Fig. 17). When the apparatus is set the clockwise motion of the arm moves against the cam surface II3 of the finger, moving the finger.

The foregoing turning of the shaft IIII turns the toast-cages H4, II5'(Fi'g. 14) into either the up position (Fig. 13) or the down position (dotted lines). Each cage is of an open-work construction so that the heat can readily reach the bread contained thereby. The bread slices, when emplaced, are retained by open-work covers Hi (Fig. 13) which are latched down hinged at I I8 (Fig. 14).

Said cages are aflixed to parallel shafts 9, I20. The shafts are journaled on the end pieces I2I of a toast frame which includes upper and lower spanner bars I22, I23. The ends of the bar I22 are riveted over at I 24 (Fig. 14), but the ends of the bar I23 are extended and somewhat pointed as at I25 (Fig. 15) to'facilitateengagement with holes in a pair of spring clips I26 riveted to the bottom of the oven IIIII (Figs. 2 and at IIl and 15). The spring clips retain the toast frame I2I in position, but upon desiring to remove the toast frame for the substitution of the frying pan (Fig. 18) the clips are readily displaced to release the bar I23. 1

Pulleys I21 (or their equivalents), are aiiixed to corresponding ends of the shafts I I5, I25 (Figs. 13 and 14), and have steel wires I25 attached thereto in crossed positions. One of the wires has a ring I25 connected in it (Fig. 14), and the hole in this ring receives the bent end III of the shaft III. When the shaft H5 is turned in the direction of arrow a (Fig. 17) at the commencement of counterclockwise motion of the arm 3| (Fig. 1) the end I II is moved to the right position (Fig. 13) beginning to cause the cages H4, H5 to assume their up positions above the shafts II5, I25. when setting the apparatus, as previously pointed out. and correspondingly movingarm 3I against the cam surface II3 (Fig. 1'7), the resulting motion of the end III to the left (arrow b, Fig. 13) begins the reversal of the positions of the cages II4, I I5, so that they are stationed in their down positions under the shafts II9, I25.

The extent of turning of the cages H4, H5 is 180. The upper bar I22 chiefly serves as a stop bar. The corners of the cages engage the bar in both positions of the cages, limiting their turning to the 180 mentioned. A spring wire I35 of U-form (Fig. 14) is mounted at its bridge piece in a hole I3I in the bar I22. The free, spread ends of-the wire occupy holes I32 in lugs I33 on the broad, closed sides of the cages. The holes I32 are so located as to come either below (Fig. 13) or above the shafts II9, I25, and since the spring action of the wire ends I35 is outward the cages will be snapped into position and held there. The bent end III merely initiates the turning of the cages; the spring wire I35 does the rest.

Mention was made of substituting the frying pan (Fig. 15) for the toaster (Fig. 14). It is thought to appear obvious that only one of these devices will and can be employed at one time. The same spring clips I25 are used. -The frying pan I34 (Fig. 16) has a central tube I35 which. together with the central tubes I35, I31- of the screen and ventilating covers I35,v I39, is slid in position on the center stem I40 of a pan frame I. This frame is made in the form of a cross, the ends of the long center piece being somewhat pointed, as in the instance of the bar I23, to fit in the holes of the clips I25.

Ahandle I42 (Fig. 16) enables the adjustment of thesize of the holes in the cover I39. This cover consists of two plates which are segmentally cut out like a familiar type of stove damper. The-extent of registration of the cut-outs govems the amount .of opening, and consequently of ventilation, through the cover. The pan I34 and screen cover I35 can be changed in position on the stem I40. When used as shown (Fig. 16), comparatively dry foods will be baked on the screen I35, any dripping falling into the pan The screen and pan are reversed in position when it is desired to fry bacon, ham, eggs. etc., in which case the tube I35 supports-the pan I34. in a desirably close position to the heater. Mention has been made of the mechanism of the clock 4 not being shown. This will comprise any known electrical driving mechanism. Or it may consist of an even more familiar spring motor-driven mechanism. The purposes of the clock are to close an-electrical circuit at a set 15 time. and to hold the circuit closed for one minute.

For this purpose the clock is supplemented with a controlling mechanism I43 on back (Figs. 18 and 19). This comprises a pair of insulating plates I44, I45 which are spaced from the back of the clock as at I45 and from each other as at I41. The arbor I45 of the minute hand of the clock is extended through the mechanism I43. It has a squared portion I45 which carries an insulating bushing I55, and another squared portion I45a to receive a setting key. This bushing has the metallic drive disc I5I (Fig. 21) of an intermittent rotary motion affixed to it, the metallic driven disc I52 of said motion having twelve notches which are successively engaged by the single tooth of the drive disc.

An insulating wheel I53 (Fig. 19) having its outside plane face marked with minute numerals I54 (Fig. 18), increased by multiples of five, is aillxed to the hub I53a of a thumb wheel I55 which is turnable on the arbor I45 and in a hole in the plate I45. I55 turns the wheel I53 independently of the arbor I45. A contact spring I55 on the outer face of the wheel I53 is in permanent rubbing contact with a conductor plate I51. Said plate is secured at I55 on back of the plate I45 (Fig. 19), and it has a wire I59 (Fig. 4) connected to it. The contact spring I55 is' so mounted on the wheel I53 that only a small end I55 (Fig. is exposed on the reverse side.

This end is contactible for a period of one minute every hour by a contactor brush I5I (Fig. 21) on the confronting side of the drive disc "ii. A similar contactor brush I52 (Fig. 21) bears against one plane face of an hour wheel I53 of insulating material, which has a contact spring I54 (Fig. 20) so fixed in it that the outer end continuously bears against a conductor plate I55, the portion next to the brush I52 bein reduced to a small end I55 with which the brush is contactible for a period of one hour every twelve hours.

The conductor plate I 55 is secured to the insulating plate I45 at I51, and a wire I55 (F18. 4) is connected with said conductor plate. The shaft of the hour wheel I53 has a thumb wheel I59 for setting. The outer face of the hour wheel I53 has hour numerals I10 (Fig. 18) the various hour numerals showing at a window I1I in the plate I45. A similar window I12 shows the minute numerals I54. A metal plate I13 (Fig. 21) is embedded in the insulating plate I44 and provides a bearing for the bushing I55 and the stub shaft I 14 (Fig. 19) of the driven disc I52.

There can be individual turning of the thumb wheels I 55, I59 (Fig. l8).' Turning of the thumb wheel I59 places the contactor end I55 (Fig. 20)

the indication.

Upon having set the control mechanism to 12.15, this setting merely being used for illustration, a. mutual engagement of all of the contact ends and brushes will close the following partial circuit:Current entering at plate I55 traverses the contact spring I54, small end I55, brush I52, metallic discs I52, I5I, brush I5I, contact end and spring I50, I55 and conductor plate Turning of the thumb wheel I51. The destination of the wires I55, I55, which are involved in this partial circuit closure, is

2,119,455 presently described." The duration of the circuit closure is one minute (or approximately so) this time being consumed in the passage of the brush I6I (Fig. 21) across the small end I68.

In addition to the mechanism I43 of the clock (Fig. 19), which controls the apparatus automatically after the mechanism is once set, there is also a manual control, and this is typified by control box I15 (Fig. 1). This box is preferably mounted on the underside of the base I, and it has a lever I16 which projects through a slot I11 (Fig. l) in the base to an accessible position on the top side. The lever is subject to being moved into any one of three positions, to wit: First, the idle position (Fig. 6) in which the apparatus is rendered inoperative for the purpose of cooking a meal, second the position in which the ringer (or phonograph) is stopped but the light is maintained burning, third the working position (Fig. 4) in which the apparatus is placed in readiness for operation at the time set at the clock 4.

The lever I16 is turnably mounted on a shaft I18 which is aflixed to the back I18 (Fig. 8) of the box I15. The lever has a switch actuator I88 firmly attached to it by one or more rivets I8I or their equivalents. The lever and actuator commonly turn on the shaft I18, and the motion of the lever causes motion of the actuator. The latter has a pusher I82 pivotally connected with it at I83, the other and free end of the pusher being notched at I84 to engage the arm I85 of an automatic cut-out switch to the best advantage.

A switch button I86 (Figs. 6, 7), is readily made accessible by forming the lever I16 in the manner shown. The button I86 is in a somewhat secluded position so that the first tendency of the operator will not be to press the button I86, but' rather to move the lever I16 into the desired one of its three positions. The purpose of the button I86 is to set the apparatus to work without the instrumentality of the clock 4. In other words, if the operator wishes to start the preparation of the meal ahead of time, that is to say, ahead of the time for which the clock is set, he will press the button I86 and initiate its operation.

The button I86 is afllxed to a stem I81 (Fig. 8) which is slidably mounted inside of the lever I16. A spring I88 presses the button outwardly. A bend I88 in the free end of the stem I81 extends out of a slot I88 in the lever into a position from which a pair of contacts I8I, I92 (Fig. 6) can be moved into engagement by a depression of the button I86 when the lever I16 is in the third position (Fig. 4).

Aflixed to side pieces I83 (Fig. which flank the long sides of the back I18 and project therefrom so as to provide supports are spring. contacts I84, I85 and I86, I81 (Figs. 4 and 7). These contacts are paired off into two switches; Both switches are opened when the lever I16 is in the first position (Fig. 7). In the second position the contacts I84, I85 alone will be in engagement, and in the third position both pairs of contacts will be in engagement (Fig. 4).

A shelf I88 (Fig. 5) is included in the structure of the control box I15. This juts out from the back I 18. It has an opening I89 which provides passage for the pusher I82 (Fig. 7). A spring leaf 288 extends into the opening I99 for the purposes of steadying the pusher I82 and to make electrical contact therewith. This leaf is secured to the shelf I88 in common with a plate 28I by a screw 282 (Fig. '4). A plate 283 is secured to a wire 2I8 with the plate 281.

the shelf I88 beside the plate 28I but in spaced relationship thereto. These plates, and a third plate 284, the latter also secured to the shelf, have upstanding parts which respectively are contacted by a bridge piece 285 and by the arm I85 which carries the bridge piece when the arm is in the switch-closing position. The bridge piece 285 is insulated from the switch arm I85 by a mica insert 285a.

This arm is part of what is hereinafter known as a solenoid-operated switch. The arm is pivoted at 286 (Figs. 4 and 5) to a plate 281 which is aflixed to the shelf I98. A detent spring 288 tends to keep the arm I85 either in its up or down positions. For this purpose the spring 288 is adjustably mounted on the plate 281 as at 288 (Fig. 6), the free end of the spring engaging a notch 2I8 in the arm I85 so as to actuate the arm. The arm is in slotted connection (see the slot 2, Fig. 6) with an extension 2I2 of the core 2I3 (Fig. 4) of a solenoid 2I4. The only purpose of the solenoid is to close the switch which, for brevity, is designated by the numeral of the arm, namely I85.

Somewhere on the control box I15 there is emplaced a series of eight binding posts commonly designated 2I5 (Fig. 4). These are merely the points of connection between wires which lead from parts inside of the control box to other parts on the base I. Since the wires inside of the control box and the corresponding wires on the outside are nothing more than extensions of each other the binding posts will not be mentioned again in the future description. In reading Figure 4 it should be understood that the control box I15 has been split, so to speak, into three parts, respectively showing the solenoid 2, the top of the shelf I98 and the pairs of switches on the back I19 in order that the various wires can be shown and traced more easily.

Mention was originally made of the electrical cord 2 (Fig. 1). This is a 2-wire cord which connects with conductors 2I6, 2I1. These are respectively connected with the contacts I86, I94. The wire 62, previously described in conjunction with the three pedestal base switches, connects the contacts 58, 5| (Fig; 4) of the latter with the spring leaf 288 and plate 28I. The wire I58, previously described in conjunction with the con.- trol mechanism of the clock, connects its conductor plate I51 with the contact I92, the companion I8I of this contact, being connected with Said plate is connected by the wire I68, also previously described in conjunction with the control mechanism of the clock, with the conductor plate I 65 of said mechanism.

The wire 96, previously described in conjunction with the standard I3, connects one side of the heater resistance I5 with the contact I 81. The remaining contact I85, of the pairs of contacts in the control box I 15, is connected by a wire 2I9 to the plate 281. The-wire 64, previously described in conjunction with the pedestal base switches, connects the wire 68 of the latter with the third plate 284. A wire 228 connects this plate with one side of the winding of the solenoid 2I4, the other side being connected to the wire I59 by a, bridge wire 22I.

A wire 222 connects the plate 283 with the contact 223 of a 4-point switch 224, the corresponding contact 225 being connected by a wire 226 with the previously mentioned wire 96. This switch enables the closure of a circuit either through the ringer 221 or through the motor of a phonograph (not shown). The latter has connected with it a 2-wire cord 223 which ends in a plug 229. when the plug is inserted in the switch 224 the ringer 221 will be cut out and the current will go through the phonograph motor, thereby to play the phonograph rather than to sound the ringer. The use of one or the other is optional with the person owning the apparatus. For the purposes of the ringer the switch includes contacts 233, 23I which engage the contacts 223, 224 when the plug 229 is absent. The contacts 233, 23| have wire connections 232. 233 and the winding 234 of a magnet, the core 233 of which has an approximate U-shape. The flexible part of the core is adjustable at 233. The rigid part is afllxed at 231 to a resonant wooden block 233. When the winding 234 is energized by the alternating current on which the apparatus is intended to work the resulting vibration of the free part of the core 233 will produce a ringing or buzzing sound, this depending on the nature of the block 233. In further reference to the lamp 3, its current is automatically switched on and of! by the pedestal base switches, one of the wires 33 of the latter being connected with one side of the lamp, the other side of the lamp being connected by means of a wire 239 with the conductor 2|3.

The operation is as followsz-The apparatus is fixed in readiness for operation by pouring-quantitles of water, milk and ground coffee into the proper compartments of the pot 34 (Fig. 1), emplacing one or more eggs in the top of the coffee pot, all as clearly set out in the co-pending application, placing one or more slices ofbread in the cages H4, 3 (Fig. 13) of the toaster, and setting the clock 4 (Fig. 1) to the time at which it is desired to have the apparatus automatically start the completion of the meal thus initially prepared. Slices of bread are placed in the toaster only in the event that it is desired to have toast for the meal. Otherwise the toast frame I 2| will be replaced by the frying pan I34 (Fig. 16), and the frying pan will have laid into it such food as must be fried.

The setting of the clock 4 is subject to the choice of the user. The time 12.15 is given only as an example. The weight of the coffee pot 34, due to its contents, tilts the balance 19 toward the right. The counterweight 94 will be so adjusted as to establish a proper equilibrium of the balance. The latter is necessarily turned clockwise with its vertical shaft 23 until the coflee pot takes its position over the heater I4.

It cannot be turned any farther than this because the projection 33, after crossing the crotch of the detent 39, will be stopped by the tall end 93. The spring 29 (Fig. 9) is wound, and the detent holds the balance in position against the tension of this spring. The arm 3| takes its position in the cage-turning finger II2 (Figs. 1 and 1'1), and when taking this position does two things, first turns short shaft 3 (Fig. 16) in the direction of arrow 1) (Fig. 13) so that its bent end III actuates the wire I23 to turn the cages I, I I3 under to the dotted line position, second it moves the switch finger 33 over so that the actuator 33 (Fig. 9) closes the switch 42, 43, it being remembered that the cam point 13a functions only in ,case of the actuator 33 having been placed in the erect position (Fig. 9), then being worked by the approaching arm 3| to momentarily turn the actuator out of the way as previously described. This switch closes the circuit of the heater M at one of three points.

The other two closure points are in the controlling mechanism |43 (Fig. 4) of the clock and in the control box I13 (Fig. 4). Another act in the initial starting of the apparatus comprises moving the lever I13 of said .control box to the third position (Fig. 4). This causes the switch actuator I33 to close both pairs of switches I34, I93 and I93, I91 (both pairs being heater switches). The automatic cut-out switch I33 is open, having been opened from an earlier movement of the lever I13 to the first position (Fig. 7), and staying open because of the action of the detent spring 233.

Assume that the clock indicates the time (12.13) for which the mechanism I43 (Fig. 4) is set. The third point of the heater circuit is now closed. Current flows through the heater resistance element I3 as follows: wire 2|1 (Fig. 4) which is connected to one side of the source of power, contacts I94, I93, wire 2|3, plate 231, wire I33 through the controlling mechanism I43, wire I33, wire 22I, solenoldwinding 2, wire 223, third plate 234, wire 34 to wires 33, 43 and 41, switch 42, 43, wires 3|, 33, resistance I3, wire 33, contacts I91, I93 and wire 2|3 to the other side of the source of current. The energization of the solenoid 2I4 closes the switch I33, and is solely for that purpose, the switch arm I33 then engaging. The heater current is diverted to a partially new path which by-passes the solenoid winding and the control mechanism I43 so as to prevent raising a temperature therein. The partially new path is traced as follows: plate 231, switch arm I33, third plate 234 and wire 34.

The heat from the resistance I 3 boils the water and browns one side of the bread. The coffee infusion automatically flows out of the spout 31 (Fig. 1) into the cup 33. This tilts the balance 19 to such an extent as to displace the projection 33 from the detent. 39. The previously wound spring 29 now turns the balance 19 counterclockwise either or 183. This optional turning is controlled by the setting of the finger 13 in the 90 position (Fig. 10). straightened (Fig. 9) it stops the arm 3| in the 90 position. If this finger is turned over (Fig. 10), the arm 3| will miss it and proceed to the position before it is stopped by the finger 13 (Figs. 1 and 13).

The switches 43, 49 and 44, 3| (Fig. 11) of the respective fingers 13, 13 are for the identical purpose of turning on the lamp 3 and starting the ringer 221 (or the phonograph'if plugged in at 229). Before tracing the lamp and ringer circuits it should be explained that the purpose of the depressible finger 13 and extra finger 13 (Fig. 10) is to permit the positioning ofthe cup 33 (Fig. 1) over the heater I4 if it is desired to insure the warmth of the coffee infusion. It the user expects to partake of the meal promptly after the preparation of the cofi'ee infusion the balance 13 will be stopped in the 90 position. But if he expects to consume some time, as for example in taking a bath, the balance will be set for the 180 position, which will bring the cup 33 over the heater as explained.

Reverting to the release of the projection 33 (Fig. 1) As soon as the balance 19 starts to turn counter-clockwise the arm 3| turns the finger I I2 in the direction of arrow a (Fig. 17) thus initiating the turning of the toast cages 4. III. This turning is completed by the spring I33 (Fig. 14), and the cages turn 180 from the dotted to the full line positions (Fig. 13). The reverse sides of theslices are now brought next to the If this finger turned off the cages are brought close to the heater so as to take advantage of the waning heat. V

The heater current isturned ofi by the motion of the arm 3| against-the cam point (Fig. 9), which is; turned clockwise thereby to displace the actuator 66 and enable the contactor 42 to spring upwardly and open the heater circuit at 46. Assuming the finger 16 (Fig. 10) to have been erected, upon its being struck by the arm 3|, the resulting depression of the contactor 43 into engagement with the contacts 49, 5| closes the following circuit: Current flows from one side of the source of current over wire 2", contacts I94, I95, wire 2I9, plate 201, switch arm I05, third plate 204, wires 64, 60 to contactor 43, contact 49, wire 53; contact 52, wires 59 and 63 to one sideof the lamp 5, and from the other side of the lamp byway of wire 239 to the other side of the source of current.

Going. back only. far enough to trace the foregoing circuit from the switch arm I85, current from said arm passes to the spring leaf 200, plate 2", bridge piece 205, plate 203, wire 222, conof the phonograph), said person will move the lever I16 of the control box I from the previously mentioned third position to the second position if he desires to stop the ringer but keep the lamp 5 lighted. When in said second position the actuator I80 of. the lever permits separation of thecontacts I96, I91, thus breaking the ringer circuit, but maintaining closure of the contacts I94, I95, and maintaining the lamp circuit lighted over the following new circuit: wire 2I1,

contacts I94, I95, wire 2I9, plate 201, switch arm I85, pusher I82, spring leaf 200, plate I, wire-62, contact 5|, switch 44, contact 52,

wires 59, 63 to the lamp 5, then over wire 239 to the opposite side of the source of current at wire 2I6.

Still considering the lever I16 to be in its original third position (Fig. 4), the engagement of the finger 15 by the arm 3| (the finger 16 now being considered as having been depressed, as in Fig. 10) will close the switch 44 (Fig. 11) so that current from the switch arm I85 (flowing to the arm over the path already described) will flow to the plate 204, wires 64, 60 to the switch 44, thence through contact 52, over wires 59, 63 to the lamp 5 and over wires 239, 2|6 to the opposite side of thesource of current. Current also flows from switch 44 through contact 5| over wire '62, plate 20I, bridge piece 205, plate 203, wire 222,'contacts 223, 230, wire 232, winding 234, wire 233, contacts 23I, 225, wire 226, contacts I91, I96 and wire 2I6 to the opposite side of the sourceof current, thus operating the ringer 221. r

Upon desiring to' open "the foregoing lamp circuit the operator'places the lever I16 into the first position, thelamp circuit then opening at the operation 0'! the apparatus ahead of the time for which the controlling mechanism I43 is set he will move the lever I16 to the third position (Fig. 4) and depress the button I86. The engagement of the contacts I9 I I92, then in line with the bend I89 (Fig. 8) will close the following circuit: from one side of the source of current over wire 2", contacts I94, I95, wire 2I9, plate 201, wire 2I8,

contacts I9I, I92 (Fig. 4), wires I59, 22I, solenoid.

winding 2| 4 (the wires I59, I60 now being open in the clock mechanism I43), from solenoid 2 over Wire 220 to the third plate 204, wire 64 to the heater I4 as before. The energization of the solenoid 2I4 closes the switch I 85 and automatically cuts out the solenoid, still maintaining the heater current, as previously explained.

I claim:--

1. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a plurality of receptacles for a variety of comestibles in a state of partial preparation, a heater situate-d intermedlately of the receptacles, a heat source for the heater, control mechanism to control the heat source having means which is set by choice to initiate the operation of said heat source ata given time and automatically stop said operation after a time-period has elapsed, and means in original equilibrium which carries one of the receptacles, said means being thrown out of equilibrium as the result of the heat from the heater on its contents to shift said means to remove its receptacle from proximity to the heater.

2. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater having a heat source which is adapted to be set in operation so as to throw ofi' heat, con-' trol mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, a balance and means by which it is turnably supported with respect to the heater, a pivot by which the balance is mounted on the turnable means, said balance being in original equilibrium when it carries an empty cup on that side of the pivot remote from the heater, and a coffee pot partly filled with water in position over the heater, said coffee pot having a spout reaching to the cup, means tending to turn the turnable means, and detent means preventing turning until the balance is shifted on its pivot and out of equilibrium by the transfer of the water to the cup due to the action of the heat.

3.- Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater having a heat source'which is adapted to be set in operation so as to throw off heat, control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, means to carry in spaced relationship an empty cup and a coffee pot containing water there being a spout reaching from the pot to the cup, means pivotally and turnably supporting the previous means beside the heater and in the space between the cup and cofiee pot, the weight of the water tilting said previous means down toward the heater so that the pot sets close to the heater when positioned thereover, and means to turn the turnable means when said previous means is tilted up from the heater on its pivotal means by a transfer of the water from the pot through the spout to the cup due to the action of the heat.

4. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater having a heat source which is adapted to be set in operation so as to throw off heat, control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, a tiltable and turnable balance pivoted beside the heater to carry on opposite sides of the pivot an empty cup and a coffee pot partly filled with water, said pot havinga spout reaching to the cup, detent means to hold the balance in one tilted position with respect to the pivot when the coffee pot is disposed over the heater so that the water is subject to the heat, and means to turn the balance so as to displace the coffee pot from the heater when the balance is .released from the detent means due to the tilting of the balance into a second position with respect to its pivot resulting from the transfer of the water from the coffee pot through the spout to the cup.

5. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a balance and a pivot on which it is tiltable, an empty cup and a cofiee pot partly filled with water emplaced on the balance at opposite sides of the pivot, said pot having a spout directed into the cup, turnable means which carries the pivot and so supports the balance, a heater having a heat source toward which heater the balance tilts due to the weight of the water when the pot is positioned thereover so that the water is set to boiling by the heat, control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, a spring connected with the turnable means, and detent means retaining the balance in the boiling position and holding the spring under tension, the transfer of water from the pot to the cup due to boiling tilting the balance away from the heater and releasing it from the detent means so that the spring acts on the turnable means to displace .the pot from over the heater.

6. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a balance and a pivot on which it is tiltable, an empty cup and a coffee pot partly filled with water emplaced on the balance at opposite sides of the a pivot, said pot having a spout directed into the cup, turnable meanswhich carries the pivot and so. supports the balance, a heater having a heat source toward which heater the balance tilts due to the weight of the water when the pot is posi- 40 tioned thereover so that the water is set to boiling by the heat, control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, a spring connected with the turnable means, detent means retaining the, balance in the boiling position and holding the spring under tension, the transfer of water from the pot to the cup due to boiling tilting the balance away from the heater and releasing it from the detent means so that the spring acts on the turnable means to displace the pot from over the heater, and means to variably cup, turnable means which carries the pivot and so supports the balance, a heater having a heat X source toward which heater the balance tilts due to the weight of the water when the pot is positioned thereover so that the water is set to boiling by the heat, control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, a spring connected with the turnable means, detent means retaining the balance in the boiling position and holding the spring under tension, the transfer of water from the pot to the-cup due to boiling tilting the balance away from the .heater and releasing it from the detent means so that the spring acts on the turnable means to displace the pot from over the heater, and means to stop the turning of the turnable means when the cup comes into position over the heater.

8. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a balance and a turnable support which has a pivot on which the balance is tiltable, an empty cup and a coffee pot partly filled with water emplaced on the balance at opposite sides of the turnable support, said pot having a spout directed into the cup, a heater having a heat source over which heater the pot is originally positioned so that the watt-r is set to boiling by the heat and thereby transferred to the cup, control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, and means which act because of the resulting tilting of the balance to turn the turnable means until the positions of the cup and not are reversed with respect to the heater.

9. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a substantially horizontal balance and a vertical turnable support which has a horizontal pivot by which the balance is carried, an empty cup and a coffee pot partly filled with water emplaced on the balance in diametrically opposite positions with respect to the pivot, said pot having a spout directed into the cup, a heater having a heat source toward which heater the balance is tilted due to the weight of the water when the pot is positioned over the heater, control mechanism. to start and stop the operation of the heat source, detent means which engage due to said tilting, resilient means held under tension by the detent means until the wateris transferred from thepot to the cup due to tilting whereupon the balance is tilted away froin the heater and from said detent means, and means to stop the balance at an approximately quarter turn of the turnable taneously remove the pot support from proximity to the heater and to reverse the slice support.

11. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater having a heat source, controlling means for said source of heat, separate supports on opposite sides of the heater respectively for carrying a slice of bread and a pot containing water and ground coffee, the slice and pot being exposed to the heat to toast the bread and prepare move the pot from proximity to the heater. means responding to the movement of the pot support to actuate the controlling means to cut off the heat, and means also responding to the movement of the pot support to reverse the slice support and expose the opposite side of the slice to the residual heat in the heater.

12. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater having a heat source, control means to start and stop the operation of the heat source, a support on one side of the heater for a pot containing water and ground coffee, a second support on the opposite side of the heater for a slice of bread, said second support initially assuming the farthest away of two positions with respect to the heater, means acting upon the completion of the coifee infusion resulting from the heat tormove the pot and remove the pot support from proximity to the heater, and means responding to the movement of the pot support to both reverse and move the slice support to III . the coffee infusion, means acting to move the pot support upon completion of the infusion to rethe nearest of the two positions with respect to the heater at the same time.

13. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater and heat cut-off means, a toast cage situated on one side of the heater, supporting means and a shaft journalled on said supporting means, said shaft carrying the cage 05 center and being initially turned to dispose the cage in the farthest of two positions respecting the heater, pot supporting means on the other side of the heater, means to move the pot support so as to displace a pot carried thereby, and means responding to the movement of the pot support at the same time to cut off the heat at the cut-oil means and turn the shaft and dispose the cage next to the heater and use the waning heat.

14. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater having a heat source, control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, a toast cage located on one side of the heater and containing a slice of bread having one surface exposed to the heat, means supporting an empty cup and a not containing water on the other side of the heater, the pot being over the heater and having a spout directed into the cup, means acting to displace the supporting means when the water is forced into the cup by the heat.

so as to remove the pot from the heater, and means to then shift the toast cage so as to expose the opposite surface of the slice to the heat.

15. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a balance, turnable means on which the balance is pivoted intermediately of its ends, said balance being adapted to support an empty receptacle at one end and at the other end a second receptacle containing water, said second receptacle having a spout directed into the empty receptacle, a weight guide amxed to the balance and bridging the pivot means, a source of heat to which the second receptacle is exposed in an initial position, the heat driving the water through the spout into the empty receptacle preparatory to the turning of the turnable means and its carried balance, control mechanism to start and stop the heat, a pair of stops included in said turnable means, each limiting the tilting of the balance when the water occupies the respc'ctive receptacle, and a counterweight adjustably mounted on the weight guide so as to place the balance in equilibrium.

16. In meal preparing apparatus, a heater, a cut-oil to control the heat, a toast cage situated on one side of the heater, supporting means and a shaft journaled on said supporting means, said shaft carrying the cage ofi center and being initially turned to dispose the cage away from the heater, a pot and means supporting the pot on the other side of the heater, means to move the pot support so as to remove the pot from over the heater, means at the same time to operate the heat control for cutting off the heat and start the turning of the shaft, and a spring then acting to complete the turning of the shaft to invert the cage and dispose it close to the heater.

l7. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater having a heat source, control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, a pair of toast cages situated in proximity to the heater so that the heat can act on slices of bread contained by the cages, supporting means on which the cages are turnably mounted, means to initiate the turning of the cages when the slices are to be reversed with respect to the heater, and a spring permanently pressing upon the cages but BEST AVAILABLE COPY 9 acting when said turning is initiated to complete the turning of the cages.

18. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater having a heat source, control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, a pair of toast cages situated in proximity to the heater and adapted to contain bread slices which are to have their opposite sides exposed to the heater, supporting means on which the cages are turnably mounted, and means to turn the cages through 180 from a given setting with respect to the heater, said means comprising means to initiate the turning, a spring permanently pressing against the cages, acting when said turning is initiated to complete the turning of the cages, and a bar engaged by the cages to stop them at each end of their 180 of turning.

19. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater having a heat source control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, a pair of toast cages exposed to the heater, shafts carrying the toast cages, supporting means on which the shafts are journalled, pulleys on the shafts, means connecting the pulleys so that they can be turned in unison, said means having a ring, and a turnable shaft having a bent end fitted in the ring.

20. Meal preparing apparatus comprising a heater having a heat source, control mechanism to start and stop the operation of the heat source, an oven and a toast cage turnably supported therein, said cage being exposed to the heater and means to turn the cage with respect to the heater comprising a shaft journalled on the wall of the oven and having means associated with the inner end by which to do the turning, a finger on the outer end of the shaft, said finger having a hook form, and an arm turnably stationed beside the oven, said arm occupying the crotch of the hook and turning the finger when said arm turns away.

21. In meal preparing apparatus, a heater, separate supports exposed to the heater on opposite sides thereof respectively for carrying a slice of bread and a pot containing water and. ground coffee, a controlling mechanism for a source of heat to the heater, said mechanism including the driven arbor of a lock by which said mechanism is carried, said mechanism further including settable contact means adapted to heat the heater at a set time when indicated by the clock, means acting upon the completion of the infusion due to the heat to remove the pot support from the heater, means acting with the movement of the pot support to cut off the heat from the-heater, and means acting at the same time to reverse the slice support with respect to the heater.

22. In meal preparing apparatus, a heater including a resistance element, an electrical circuit embracing said element and having a source of current connected to it, means to support an article of food, said means being manually movable into a position of exposure respecting the heater, an arm which also moves when the movement of said supporting means occurs, an electrical switch then in the path of said arm to be closed by the manual effort in moving the supporting means, said switch being in the circuit and closing the circuit at one point, and at least one other switch in said circuit but being adapted for automatic operation, said switch including separated contacts, and a clockwork for bringing the contacts together at a set time, thereby to complete the closure of the circuit through said element.

23. In meal preparing apparatus, vessel supporting means and a turnable shaft by which said means is carried, a heater, ringer and lamp and means for turning the shaft with respect to the heater, an arm on the shaft traversing an arc of movement during turning of the shaft, a trio of switches for controlling the circuits embracing the respective heater, ringer and lamp, means at the approximate limits of movement of the armboth limiting the movements of the arm and controlling the respective remote switches, and means situated intermediately of the remote switches for controlling the intermediate switch, said means including a movable finger which is either moved to project into the path of the arm or moved out of said path to either stop the arm or let it pass over.

24. In meal preparing apparatus, a vessel support and a turnable shaft, a heater over which the support is disposed in one turned position of the shaft, a switch and an electrical circuit embracing said heater, means to turn the shaft so as to displace the support from the heater, and

BEST AVAILABLE COPY means to control the switch comprising an arm on the shaft, and an actuator pressing the switch into the closed position, a finger carried by the actuator and being engaged by the arm to hold the actuator in said position, and a cam point on the actuator engageable by said finger to remove the actuator from'the switch when the arm departs from the finger upon said turning of the shaft.

25. In meal preparing apparatus, a heater including a resistance element, an electrical circuit embracing said element, a plurality of receptacles in proximity to the heater for a variety 0! comestibles in a state of partial preparation, a ringer and a lamp in said circuit, control mechanism having contacts which upon engagement complete the circuit through the element, ringer and lamp, and switch means in said circuit, being manually operative to break the circuit through the ringer but maintain the circuit through the lamp.

- Josit m: AYALA. 

